Coconut Noodles with Scallops and Pea Tendrils

Pea tendrils, also called pea shoots, are the leafy, tender stem portion of young pea plants. We use small, delicate tendrils, which can be eaten raw. If the pea tendrils you choose are too firm, you might need to cook them with the cabbage mixture for up to 6 minutes. If you can't find tendrils, use mâche or spinach. Shrimp paste—made from salted, fermented ground shrimp—is a condiment common in Southeast Asian cooking. Look for it at Asian markets, or use anchovy paste instead. We use thin rice stick noodles in this dish. Use vermicelli if they are unavailable, and cook according to package directions.

Ingredients

1 (6.75-ounce) package uncooked rice sticks (rice-flour noodles)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup coarsely chopped peeled fresh lemongrass (about 2 stalks)

1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger

2 teaspoons shrimp paste or anchovy paste

3 to 4 Thai chiles, halved and seeded

3 garlic cloves, peeled

2 shallots, peeled

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 1/2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk

4 cups thinly sliced napa (Chinese) cabbage (1 small head)

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced green onions, divided

1 cup fresh or frozen green peas, thawed

1 pound sea scallops, halved horizontally

4 cups pea tendrils, coarsely chopped (about 1/4 pound)

Nutritional Information

Calories 250

Fat 5.1g

Satfat 2.8g

Monofat 0.8g

Polyfat 1g

Protein 15g

Carbohydrate 37.6g

Fiber 2.7g

Cholesterol 20mg

Iron 2.3mg

Sodium 550mg

Calcium 83mg

Calories 250

Fat 5.1g

Satfat 2.8g

Monofat 0.8g

Polyfat 1g

Protein 15g

Carbohydrate 37.6g

Fiber 2.7g

Cholesterol 20mg

Iron 2.3mg

Sodium 550mg

Calcium 83mg

How to Make It

Step 1

Cook noodles in boiling water 1 1/2 minutes; drain. Rinse under cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.

nlrutecki's Review

I liked this recipe as a basic day to day but as scallops are an expensive item I can think of a few other things I'd rather do with them. The sauce may need a little bit more of a kick (perhaps some sort of pepper?) but was still an enjoyable meal.